US20120073767A1 - Bug catcher - Google Patents

Bug catcher Download PDF

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Publication number
US20120073767A1
US20120073767A1 US13/200,154 US201113200154A US2012073767A1 US 20120073767 A1 US20120073767 A1 US 20120073767A1 US 201113200154 A US201113200154 A US 201113200154A US 2012073767 A1 US2012073767 A1 US 2012073767A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
radiator
vehicle
covering
inches
accommodate
Prior art date
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Abandoned
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US13/200,154
Inventor
Michael V. Graziano
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority to US13/200,154 priority Critical patent/US20120073767A1/en
Publication of US20120073767A1 publication Critical patent/US20120073767A1/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
    • B60J11/00—Removable external protective coverings specially adapted for vehicles or parts of vehicles, e.g. parking covers
    • B60J11/06—Removable external protective coverings specially adapted for vehicles or parts of vehicles, e.g. parking covers for covering only specific parts of the vehicle, e.g. for doors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K11/00—Arrangement in connection with cooling of propulsion units
    • B60K11/08—Air inlets for cooling; Shutters or blinds therefor

Definitions

  • the present invention pertains to the field of vehicle protective devices, and more specifically to the field of vehicle radiator protection screen devices.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,178,034 to Theodor H. Mittendorf describes an insect protection apparatus for protecting moving vehicles from insects having a rigid frame, at least partially covered with a screen, to prevent the passage of insects therethrough.
  • the frame has a bumper attaching system which may be rapidly attached to most vehicle bumpers and which allows the frame to be aligned in front of the vehicle.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,236,592 to John H. Ziegler describes a structure for protecting front surfaces of moving vehicles from insects and debris and modulating air flow through the vehicle radiator to control cooling efficiency, including an air deflector mounted on the leading edge of the vehicle to deflect air, airborne insects and debris upward and over the windshield.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,598 to Ronald D. Mastin describes a plurality of screen brackets for attaching a bug screen or winter screen to a bug shield.
  • FIG. 1 is an elevational angled perspective view of the device of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is an elevational angled perspective view of the device of the present invention as shown from the outside of a motor vehicle.
  • FIG. 3 shows the device of the present invention mounted on a radiator.
  • the present invention hereinafter referred to as the Bug Catcher, or covering, comprises a generally rectangular metal screen covering to cover the radiator of a vehicle to protect the radiator from insects and other flying debris from clogging or otherwise damaging the vehicle's radiator.
  • the screen covering is designed to be mounted in front of the radiator and behind the grill inside the body of the vehicle.
  • the device is generally rectangular in shape and fabricated of a metal screen material.
  • the Bug Catcher is made of an ultra-fine mesh configuration with approximately 100 holes per square inch.
  • the size of the covering can be any of a variety of sizes to accommodate a wide range of vehicles, from small automobiles to large SUVs and trucks. For example, a standard unit measures approximately twenty-nine inches in length, twenty-four inches in width, and four inches in depth. As noted, other embodiments are sized to accommodate virtually any model of vehicle.
  • the Bug Catcher is outfitted with a series of approximately five-sixteenth inch holes to accommodate attachment to mounting brackets on each side of the covering.
  • the brackets are sized to accommodate the covering.
  • the mounting brackets may measure approximately one inch to three inches.
  • the Bug Catcher allows motorists to drive without worry of flying pests or other debris causing damage to their radiators.
  • the present invention comprises a metal screen that is bolted on and fits tightly and securely in front of a car's radiator system, thus serving as a highly effective shield against a plethora of insects and debris, from larger annoyances such as bees to rocks and other flying road debris.
  • the fine metal screen of the Bug Catcher easily repels these bugs and debris, without encumbering the radiator's operational capacity. As a result, the internal components of a vehicle are spared from damage, gas mileage and engine longevity is saved, as well as money.
  • the Bug Catcher is attached in minimal time with basic hand tools. While ideal for keeping bugs out of the vehicle's radiator system, this versatile invention also serves as a protective barrier against flying debris such as dirt and rocks. As such, drivers do not have to worry about foreign matter flying into and damaging their radiators. Universal in application, the Bug Catcher is employed to cover radiators of vehicles ranging from autos, trucks and SUV's to 4 ⁇ 4's and RV's.
  • the Bug Catcher readily enhances the experience of driving without worry of bugs and foreign objects clogging the radiator system.
  • Compact and lightweight, this product is a direct fit and ready to bolt on with basic hand tools.
  • the Bug Catcher is well received by owners and operators of motor vehicles, as well as campers, a sizable market potential.

Abstract

The present invention provides a generally rectangular metal screen covering to cover the radiator of a vehicle to protect the radiator from insects and other flying debris from clogging or otherwise damaging the vehicle's radiator. The screen covering is designed to be mounted in front of the radiator and behind the grill inside the body of the vehicle. The size of the covering can be any of a variety of sizes to accommodate a wide range of vehicles, from small automobiles to large SUVs and trucks. To facilitate a secure attachment to an automobile's radiator, the Bug Catcher is outfitted with a series of holes to accommodate attachment to mounting brackets on each side of the covering.

Description

    CLAIM OF PRIORITY
  • This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/403,570 filed Sep. 17, 2010, of Arlene Graziano entitled, “Bug Catcher.”
    • FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention pertains to the field of vehicle protective devices, and more specifically to the field of vehicle radiator protection screen devices.
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • The prior art has put forth several designs for vehicle radiator protection screen devices. Among these are:
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,178,034 to Theodor H. Mittendorf describes an insect protection apparatus for protecting moving vehicles from insects having a rigid frame, at least partially covered with a screen, to prevent the passage of insects therethrough. The frame has a bumper attaching system which may be rapidly attached to most vehicle bumpers and which allows the frame to be aligned in front of the vehicle.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,236,592 to John H. Ziegler describes a structure for protecting front surfaces of moving vehicles from insects and debris and modulating air flow through the vehicle radiator to control cooling efficiency, including an air deflector mounted on the leading edge of the vehicle to deflect air, airborne insects and debris upward and over the windshield.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,598 to Ronald D. Mastin describes a plurality of screen brackets for attaching a bug screen or winter screen to a bug shield.
  • None of these prior art references describe the present invention.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle radiator protection screen device.
  • It is a further object of the present invention to provide a line of metal screen coverings for use with automobiles and other vehicles to cover the radiator of the vehicle to protect the radiator from insects and other flying debris from clogging or otherwise damaging the vehicle's radiator.
  • It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a metal screen covering to cover the front of the radiator of a vehicle which, covering is mounted between the front of the radiator and the grill of the vehicle.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is an elevational angled perspective view of the device of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is an elevational angled perspective view of the device of the present invention as shown from the outside of a motor vehicle.
  • FIG. 3 shows the device of the present invention mounted on a radiator.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention, hereinafter referred to as the Bug Catcher, or covering, comprises a generally rectangular metal screen covering to cover the radiator of a vehicle to protect the radiator from insects and other flying debris from clogging or otherwise damaging the vehicle's radiator. The screen covering is designed to be mounted in front of the radiator and behind the grill inside the body of the vehicle.
  • The device is generally rectangular in shape and fabricated of a metal screen material. The Bug Catcher is made of an ultra-fine mesh configuration with approximately 100 holes per square inch. The size of the covering can be any of a variety of sizes to accommodate a wide range of vehicles, from small automobiles to large SUVs and trucks. For example, a standard unit measures approximately twenty-nine inches in length, twenty-four inches in width, and four inches in depth. As noted, other embodiments are sized to accommodate virtually any model of vehicle. To facilitate a secure attachment to an automobile's radiator, the Bug Catcher is outfitted with a series of approximately five-sixteenth inch holes to accommodate attachment to mounting brackets on each side of the covering. The brackets are sized to accommodate the covering. For example, the mounting brackets may measure approximately one inch to three inches.
  • The Bug Catcher allows motorists to drive without worry of flying pests or other debris causing damage to their radiators. The present invention comprises a metal screen that is bolted on and fits tightly and securely in front of a car's radiator system, thus serving as a highly effective shield against a plethora of insects and debris, from larger annoyances such as bees to rocks and other flying road debris. The fine metal screen of the Bug Catcher easily repels these bugs and debris, without encumbering the radiator's operational capacity. As a result, the internal components of a vehicle are spared from damage, gas mileage and engine longevity is saved, as well as money.
  • Extremely easy to use, the Bug Catcher is attached in minimal time with basic hand tools. While ideal for keeping bugs out of the vehicle's radiator system, this versatile invention also serves as a protective barrier against flying debris such as dirt and rocks. As such, drivers do not have to worry about foreign matter flying into and damaging their radiators. Universal in application, the Bug Catcher is employed to cover radiators of vehicles ranging from autos, trucks and SUV's to 4×4's and RV's.
  • An innovative product invention, the Bug Catcher readily enhances the experience of driving without worry of bugs and foreign objects clogging the radiator system. Compact and lightweight, this product is a direct fit and ready to bolt on with basic hand tools. Affordably priced, the Bug Catcher is well received by owners and operators of motor vehicles, as well as campers, a sizable market potential.
  • Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Claims (11)

1. A vehicle radiator protection screen device, comprising:
a generally rectangular metal screen covering to cover the radiator of a vehicle to protect the radiator from insects and other flying debris from clogging or otherwise damaging the vehicle's radiator.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the screen covering is designed to be mounted in front of the radiator and behind the grill inside the body of the vehicle.
3. The device of claim 2 wherein screen covering is and fabricated of a metal screen material.
4. The device of claim 3 wherein the metal screen material comprises an ultra-fine mesh configuration with approximately 100 holes per square inch.
5. The device of claim 3 sized to accommodate a wide range of vehicles, from small automobiles to large SUVs and trucks.
6. The device of claim 5 wherein the size measures approximately twenty-nine inches in length, twenty-four inches in width, and four inches in depth.
7. The device of claim 3, further comprising a series of holes to accommodate attachment to mounting brackets on each side of the covering.
8. The device of claim 7 wherein the holes are approximately five-sixteenth inch in diameter.
9. The device of claim 7, further comprising mounting brackets on each side of the covering.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the length of the mounting brackets is sized to accommodate the covering.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein the mounting brackets measure approximately one inch to three inches in width.
US13/200,154 2010-09-17 2011-09-19 Bug catcher Abandoned US20120073767A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/200,154 US20120073767A1 (en) 2010-09-17 2011-09-19 Bug catcher

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US40357010P 2010-09-17 2010-09-17
US13/200,154 US20120073767A1 (en) 2010-09-17 2011-09-19 Bug catcher

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US20120073767A1 true US20120073767A1 (en) 2012-03-29

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Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150353043A1 (en) * 2014-06-04 2015-12-10 Lund, Inc. Rock guard for highway vehicles
US9676270B2 (en) * 2015-09-29 2017-06-13 Kubota Corporation Work vehicle
US9878600B2 (en) 2015-10-30 2018-01-30 Lund, Inc. Vehicle hood shield and bracket system
USD847442S1 (en) * 2016-11-15 2019-04-30 Cathleen Bikowicz Pet friendly door guard
USD863196S1 (en) * 2017-11-14 2019-10-15 Afshin Ariay Machinery cover
USD898640S1 (en) 2018-10-26 2020-10-13 Bushwacker, Inc. Vehicle fender flare
USD906200S1 (en) 2018-10-26 2020-12-29 Bushwacker, Inc. Fender flare
USD906202S1 (en) 2018-10-26 2020-12-29 Bushwacker, Inc. Fender flare
US20210094115A1 (en) * 2017-09-29 2021-04-01 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Adjustable cover for air recirculation in a welder
US11220161B2 (en) 2018-10-26 2022-01-11 Lund, Inc. Window deflector assembly with mounting clips
US11225213B2 (en) 2018-10-26 2022-01-18 Lund, Inc. Vehicle body shield
US11260814B1 (en) * 2020-08-26 2022-03-01 International Truck Intellectual Property Company, Llc Bug screen and method of mounting
USD970405S1 (en) 2018-10-26 2022-11-22 Bushwacker, Inc. Fender flare
US11850876B1 (en) 2020-05-04 2023-12-26 Jesse J. Buxton Motor-vehicle soft bug screen products and production

Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1399859A (en) * 1920-05-05 1921-12-13 Joseph P Garver Radiator-protector
US1475062A (en) * 1922-10-18 1923-11-20 Murl E Fulk Radiator protector
US1496661A (en) * 1920-10-27 1924-06-03 Christian F Dreier Radiator protector
US1706447A (en) * 1928-09-21 1929-03-26 J H Bates Radiator protector
US1810748A (en) * 1930-08-22 1931-06-16 Kornel C Berger Ornamental guard for automobile radiators
US1811527A (en) * 1930-09-08 1931-06-23 Fred M Young Radiator
US1823141A (en) * 1930-03-31 1931-09-15 Case Co J I Curtain device for radiators
US2254137A (en) * 1940-11-14 1941-08-26 John P Biehn Automobile protective screen
US2796141A (en) * 1954-07-14 1957-06-18 Deere Mfg Co Radiator screen and grille assembly
US2966339A (en) * 1954-11-02 1960-12-27 Yates American Machine Co Radiator protector device
US4085964A (en) * 1976-09-13 1978-04-25 Hutto Ernest L Vehicle insect protection apparatus
US4169501A (en) * 1976-12-02 1979-10-02 Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu Seisakusho Airflow regulating apparatus for radiator
US6810950B1 (en) * 2003-09-13 2004-11-02 Manze, Iii Louis F. Radiator cover

Patent Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1399859A (en) * 1920-05-05 1921-12-13 Joseph P Garver Radiator-protector
US1496661A (en) * 1920-10-27 1924-06-03 Christian F Dreier Radiator protector
US1475062A (en) * 1922-10-18 1923-11-20 Murl E Fulk Radiator protector
US1706447A (en) * 1928-09-21 1929-03-26 J H Bates Radiator protector
US1823141A (en) * 1930-03-31 1931-09-15 Case Co J I Curtain device for radiators
US1810748A (en) * 1930-08-22 1931-06-16 Kornel C Berger Ornamental guard for automobile radiators
US1811527A (en) * 1930-09-08 1931-06-23 Fred M Young Radiator
US2254137A (en) * 1940-11-14 1941-08-26 John P Biehn Automobile protective screen
US2796141A (en) * 1954-07-14 1957-06-18 Deere Mfg Co Radiator screen and grille assembly
US2966339A (en) * 1954-11-02 1960-12-27 Yates American Machine Co Radiator protector device
US4085964A (en) * 1976-09-13 1978-04-25 Hutto Ernest L Vehicle insect protection apparatus
US4169501A (en) * 1976-12-02 1979-10-02 Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu Seisakusho Airflow regulating apparatus for radiator
US6810950B1 (en) * 2003-09-13 2004-11-02 Manze, Iii Louis F. Radiator cover

Cited By (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9333929B2 (en) * 2014-06-04 2016-05-10 Lund, Inc. Rock guard for highway vehicles
US20170001587A1 (en) * 2014-06-04 2017-01-05 Lund, Inc. Rock guard for highway vehicles
US9834161B2 (en) * 2014-06-04 2017-12-05 Lund, Inc. Rock guard for highway vehicles
US20150353043A1 (en) * 2014-06-04 2015-12-10 Lund, Inc. Rock guard for highway vehicles
US9676270B2 (en) * 2015-09-29 2017-06-13 Kubota Corporation Work vehicle
US9878600B2 (en) 2015-10-30 2018-01-30 Lund, Inc. Vehicle hood shield and bracket system
US10166844B2 (en) 2015-10-30 2019-01-01 Lund, Inc. Vehicle hood shield and bracket system
US10611215B2 (en) 2015-10-30 2020-04-07 Lund, Inc. Vehicle hood shield and bracket system
USD847442S1 (en) * 2016-11-15 2019-04-30 Cathleen Bikowicz Pet friendly door guard
US20210094115A1 (en) * 2017-09-29 2021-04-01 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Adjustable cover for air recirculation in a welder
USD863196S1 (en) * 2017-11-14 2019-10-15 Afshin Ariay Machinery cover
USD898640S1 (en) 2018-10-26 2020-10-13 Bushwacker, Inc. Vehicle fender flare
USD906202S1 (en) 2018-10-26 2020-12-29 Bushwacker, Inc. Fender flare
USD906200S1 (en) 2018-10-26 2020-12-29 Bushwacker, Inc. Fender flare
USD935966S1 (en) 2018-10-26 2021-11-16 Bushwacker, Inc. Fender flare
US11220161B2 (en) 2018-10-26 2022-01-11 Lund, Inc. Window deflector assembly with mounting clips
US11225213B2 (en) 2018-10-26 2022-01-18 Lund, Inc. Vehicle body shield
USD970405S1 (en) 2018-10-26 2022-11-22 Bushwacker, Inc. Fender flare
US11554733B2 (en) 2018-10-26 2023-01-17 Lund, Inc. Vehicle body shield
USD1001699S1 (en) 2018-10-26 2023-10-17 Bushwacker, Inc. Vehicle fender flare
US11850876B1 (en) 2020-05-04 2023-12-26 Jesse J. Buxton Motor-vehicle soft bug screen products and production
US11260814B1 (en) * 2020-08-26 2022-03-01 International Truck Intellectual Property Company, Llc Bug screen and method of mounting
US20220063534A1 (en) * 2020-08-26 2022-03-03 International Truck Intellectual Property Company, Llc Bug screen and method of mounting

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